David Wesley Hammons, of Kingsville, Missouri, passed far too soon on January 19, 2026, at the age of 59.
David was born on January 12, 1967, in Campbell, California, to his parents, Delbert and Patricia Hammons. He grew up in San Jose, California, and attended Leigh High School. David played youth baseball, football and was a diehard Raiders and Yankees fan.
He met his wife of 36 years, Shelley, when they were just 14yrs old at Calvary Temple Church in Campbell, CA. Later married, together they raised two children, Nicole and Wesley, and over the years, had several beloved and spoiled dogs. In 1995, the family moved to Olathe, Kansas, where they remained for 23 years, building a life of their own. After the kids were grown, David and Shelley moved to Kingsville, Missouri, to a home they had long dreamed of – complete with a few acres to mow and beautiful sunsets. Come to find out, David had some of the best mowing outfits.
David took great pride in both his family and his work. To support his family, he began his data center career at DST Systems, where he worked for 16 years; then spent the next 17 years at the U.S. Bank Data Center, forming many lasting friendships with coworkers along the way.
David loved anything with an engine. He picked up drag racing and eventually dirt track racing, joining the great group of people of Midwest Lightning Sprints, with his family proudly serving as his pit crew. While most of his free time was spent with family, he could also be found online researching countless topics – claiming to have been to the end of the internet and back. David also had a sense of humor that could lighten even the darkest moments and he loved to hear it back. As a true movie buff, he enjoyed watching everything from Fast Times at Ridgemont High with Shelley to watching Frozen with his grandchildren. David and Shelley loved to go see their favorite bands play live and took several trips to make new memories with old, lifelong friends.
There are not enough words to fully express the loss left by David’s passing, but do know that he was a bold, loving, and steady presence in the lives of those he loved. A presence that will be deeply missed by many, especially his wife, Shelley; his children, Nicole [Austin] and Wesley [Meghan]; his grandchildren, Beaumont, Loah, Carson, and Hazel; and his dog, Raven.
A celebration of life will be held at Royer Funeral Home 101 SE 15th St, Oak Grove, Missouri 64075 on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to stop by during this time to offer support and share stories with those who loved him.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO.
Brien Schuman
28 Jan 2026Shelley and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. You are so right about Dave’s sense of humor. I worked with Dave at US Bank on nights for several years and he always made it fun and interesting. I have lots of great memories of Dave and he will be missed. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Brien Schuman
Ron Talley
1 Feb 2026I met Dave 17 years ago when I joined the U. S. Bank engineering crew. As a worker, Dave was solid. He always showed up early and would work extra given the opportunity. He didn’t care to work alone, so many of us benefited from his knowledge and data center skills.
When the work was done, Dave was still the leader. He loved to laugh, stir the pot and debate, the subject didn’t matter. His audacious remarks could enlighten you, cut you, have you laughing until it hurt or have you wishing you could un-hear the commentary. Everyone was fair game, some more than others. Anybody that knows Dave has a Hammons’ story that will crack you up!
I’m older than Dave, so for years, he encouraged me to declare a retirement date, not knowing he was one of the reasons I wanted to hang around. Dave was a character and will be missed. I’m glad I got to share in his journey.
Ron Talley